.png)
I think coachees send out ‘invitations’ all the time. Here’s what it looks like: During a coaching conversation, your coachee says something that invites further exploration. It can often be well disguised. Then, they leave it up to you as coach to discover and accept the invitation, or not.
A participant in one of our recent coaching programs likened it to two people walking down a hallway with doors on both sides. One person opens up a door, and holds it for the other person to pass through. But if the other person is too far ahead, they won’t even notice.
Here are a few examples of ‘invitations’ from coachees that I’ve received recently in my role as coach:
These comments are the tip of the iceberg, and we know it! Our coachees are inviting us to engage. But what's the best way?
Let’s look at what happened when I heard: “I’ve had better projects.”
I could have responded (but didn’t) by asking an open question that would have led to a very productive discussion:
Instead, I responded simply with “Tell me more.” The response was:
“Well, actually, I used to enjoy leading projects, but I am getting tired of this kind of work. Because that’s all I’ve done for the past four years, people don’t even think of me when line jobs open up. I don’t know how to change their mindset. And I don’t know how much longer I can keep myself motivated. And frankly, I am not sure I am ready for a line job.”
I could never have imagined that this was the real issue.
By responding with “Tell me more,” we allow our coachees the freedom to take the conversation in the direction they choose. When something tells you that there is a lot unknown behind your coachee’s words, accept the invitation and leave the coachee in charge.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Are you and/or your colleagues:
Would you and your colleagues like to:
Does it work?
There are a lot of ‘Leader as Coach’ programs out there, and we venture to guess that ±95% of them have no or negligent lasting impact.
I (Julie) was once asked to design a program ‘that works’ – that actually gets leaders to develop and sustainably and successfully apply solid coaching skills in the workplace – so I DID.
This gave birth to our cornerstone program: Coaching is an Art (CIAA) Coaching Program
We have personally witnessed Senior Business and HR Leaders transform their leadership - increasing their impact on individuals, teams and the organisation.
Here’s what past participants are saying:
Participant 1:
“There are so many things that I am doing differently (and better!) in conversing with colleagues and clients now! This course took me on a significant journey, reviewing and transforming how I interact with others. With a plethora of extremely effective tools now at hand, I am more curious, listen more deeply, am more patient, and I stimulate deeper and more innovative thinking in others. I am much more conscious and intentional now – and all this gives me enormous energy!”
Senior Global Partner
Big 4 Advisory Firm
Participant 2:
“I previously prided myself on always having an answer and advice when others approached me with their challenges. However, through the coaching program I have learned the value in guiding individuals in how to reach the answers themselves, leading to directions that are fully owned by the individual … and better suited to the situation… As a result, I am seeing my team members feeling empowered to … make their own decisions ... This gives me more time to lead the strategy … Everyone wins with coaching!”
Senior Leader
Global Consumer Goods Company
Global HR Sponsor 1:
"This flexible, 9-month program really works! Our senior leaders are developing and successfully applying solid coaching skills, which are particularly important in times of transformation and change. Leaders coach selected talents and as a result, we notice significant behavioral shifts in daily interactions, team collaboration, performance and how employees take ownership on business commitments and drive results.
Currently in the process of rolling out our 5th wave, we see this program as a key enabler to build the desired culture, which allows us to position ourselves ahead on the competition in a highly dynamic market. The impact of this program on retention and engagement is high, and it continues resonating across a diverse and multigenerational workforce.”
Global HR Sponsor 2:
“I recommend this program for all leaders who really want to achieve their full leadership potential, and for your organization as a whole in order to be truly competitive in the marketplace.”
In-House Programs
Would you like more information about our In-House Program? Let’s have a chat. We would love to learn about your needs, give you more information, and answer your questions. Fill-up the inquiry form below.
Open Enrolment Programs
Would you like more information about our yearly Open Enrolment Program? The next (5th) run is set to start in March 2023. This could be a great way to ‘test the waters’ with one or two participants from your organization.
We are now accepting "Early Bird" registrations for the March 23 launch, offering a 15% discount if registered by December 15, 2022. Fill-up the inquiry form below.
